The engines are intended to power Turkey’s next-generation Kaan combat aircraft, which are being built by TUSAS. The planned sale would support a program that has become critical for the Turkish Air Force since Ankara was removed from the F-35 program in 2019.
F110 engines have been assembled in Turkey for years by TUSAS Engine Industries. However, they remain subject to U.S. export restrictions.
Engines of this type are already used in large numbers to power F-16 multirole aircraft operated by the Turkish Air Force. The Kaan program depends on whether Washington makes larger numbers of F110 engines available, including the type used in the prototype.
Turkey is developing the TF35000 engine to reduce its dependence on the United States. That engine is expected to be available only in several years, provided the development process does not face problems.
Turkey is also considering alternative engines. The options under consideration include engines from Russia or the United Kingdom.
The development of the Kaan aircraft became more important after Washington blocked Turkey’s purchase of about 100 F-35 aircraft. The United States also blocked Turkish industry from participating in the production of components for the F-35 after Turkey bought Russian S-400 long-range air defense systems.
The State Department decision came before the NATO summit in Ankara, which is scheduled for July 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the summit.
Congress has 15 days from receiving the formal notification to decide whether to approve the transaction. The proposed sale would provide Turkey with engines needed for its domestic fighter program while remaining subject to U.S. congressional review.
